Stein's Pillar, Natural summit in Crook County, Oregon, US
Stein's Pillar is a towering rock spire made of welded tuff near Prineville in Oregon. It rises sharply from the surrounding terrain and displays the geological layers that tell the story of millions of years of Earth history.
The formation originated about 40 million years ago when a volcanic caldera collapsed and deposited ash. This ash solidified over time into a compact structure that created the present-day rock pillar.
The surrounding area serves as an educational resource for local schools and geological studies, contributing to community learning initiatives.
The trail to the pillar is well marked and passes through forests and meadows, with the round trip taking about two hours. The terrain is somewhat hilly, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
The trail passes through old growth forest and mountain meadows before reaching the base of the geological formation.
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